soul knell

Noun

soul knell (plural soul knells)

1. (obsolete) Synonym of passing bell.
   • The rich Churle enlarging his Barnes proportionably to his deſires, had his Night ; hee heard that ſoule-knell , Thou foole, this Night ſhall they fetch away thy ſoule.1614, Thomas Adams, The Gallants Burden, London: […] T. S. for Clement Knight, page 40
   • The firſt dead 19. hours, or there about
     The ſoul knell-towld, then paſſing-peal rang out,
     All things appointed to convey him thence,
     His ſoul return's and gives his body ſence;1678, An Alarm to Judgement, or An aſſay to rouſe up all, of all ſorts, (before it be too late) to prepare to meet the Bridegroom, page 216

   Synonyms:

   passing bell